About the Field and Fork Farm and Gardens
The interns at the University of Florida’s (UF) Field and Fork Farm and Gardens are the backbone of the sustainable farming operation. As a way of addressing food insecurity on campus, the Field and Fork Farm and Gardens grow produce for the Alan and Cathy Hitchcock Field and Fork Pantry. The food pantry is accessible to all UF students and staff at no cost.
As farm manager, Long is responsible for making decisions regarding the farming operation and overseeing the intern program. The intern program cycles each semester, with twelve interns being present on the farm staff. After the completion of a semester, veteran interns are provided the opportunity to become leaders, and new applicants are hired on. Each semester, approximately three to four interns return, providing guidance to eight to nine new students.
“The work is so diverse that it's never really boring. It can be frustrating but it's never boring,” Long said.
Any UF student is eligible to apply for a farm internship position. This semester the farm interns are from diverse backgrounds including journalism, horticultural sciences, and computer science students. As farm manager, Long is hoping to maintain the diversity of the farm internship program, by spreading awareness of the farm internships across the university.
“I want more non-CALS (College of Agricultural and Life Sciences) people to know this exists, to get involved, to see a farm,” Long said.
Interns are a crucial aspect of the farm’s innovations. An intern developed the method of using guano from the bat houses to make compost. This innovation led to the farm being more self-sufficient and sustainable. Combining the variety of interests and specialties that UF students have enables the farm to continually display cutting edge techniques.
Long suggests the lessons learned on the farm are valuable for everyone. He believes that the farm does a great job of establishing appreciation for the work that goes into producing food and teaching respect for the agricultural industry. Many students who intern at the farm have never been involved in agriculture, so this experience is unique.
“Being able to work here at this little, small urban farm gives everyone a new perspective on things,” Long said.
Long views his job as being the motivation for the interns. While anyone is capable of completing these tasks, it is often hard to get people excited about it. Long shared that inspiring the students at the beginning is quite a challenge; however, when they become invested in the farm, they grow to love the work.
Long has large goals for the future of the farm. He envisions an externship program coming to the farm soon. This opportunity would enable dedicated interns to partner with a commercial producer to learn from their practices. Long believes that this would be a good way to connect with other producers and communicate ideas to better both operations.
Additionally, Long hopes there will be a second Field and Fork location closer to the student population. This farm would be focused on demonstration and awareness of food insecurity.
The farm is always looking to grow and involve new interns. Any UF student interested in pursuing an internship should visit the Field and Fork website. Visiting the farm is always encouraged for both students and community members. Anyone with questions regarding the farm should contact Kelli Brew at kelliabrew@ufl.edu.
The Field and Fork Farm and Gardens provide an unmatched opportunity to become involved on campus. Joining the farm is a positive way to give back to the UF community. Please consider taking the time to participate in this one-of-a-kind experience.
Some images in this publication are from the UF IFAS Database.
About the Authors
Jaley Moseley is an undergraduate student at the University of Florida. She is studying Agricultural Education and Communications, specializing in communications through the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences. Upon graduation, Jaley plans to enter the communication world within the agricultural industry.